England's travelling supporters made their feelings known in Riga, but it was Thomas Tuchel who had the last laugh as his team demolished Latvia 5-0 to book their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions needed just one win to guarantee qualification, and they delivered in style against opponents sitting 137th in the world rankings.
Yet amid the celebrations, Tuchel found himself on the receiving end of some pointed chanting from England fans who hadn't forgotten his recent comments about "silent" supporters following the Wales friendly at Wembley.
The German boss took it all in his stride though, later admitting he "got some stick" but praising the fans' sense of humour.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
"Tuchel, give us a song!" rang out from the away end, along with chants of "1-0 to the library" - playful digs at the manager who'd questioned the atmosphere during England's previous home match.
Speaking to ITV afterwards, Tuchel showed he could take a joke: "I got some stick in the first half but fair enough and well done, good sense of humour and no problem," he said with a smile.
Thomas Tuchel addressed the England support's chants following his 'silent' comments last week
|REUTERS
The German praised the "brilliant support from start to finish" and seemed genuinely pleased with how his relationship with England fans is developing after what could have been an awkward evening.
“Such a good mood in the dressing room. It feels very different because it is our dream to go to America and now we made it with another good performance and top result. Very happy,” he continued.
England beat Latvia 5-0 on the night
|REUTERS
"We are dominant in games, we are hungry. We have a lot of ball wins in the opponent's half. It is good. We are on our way.
"It is a club feel because we play very aggressive with a high press. It is a very physical game. Everyone needs to buy into the idea because otherwise you cannot press so high.
“The guys train on a high level and the group is a very good group and it is a pleasure to coach them. Step by step we are getting there."
JUST IN; England fans take aim at Gary Neville after Union Jack row in brutal chants against Latvia
Harry Kane scored another brace, taking his England goal tally to 76
|REUTERS
Harry Kane was at his brilliant best, grabbing two goals before the break to put the game beyond doubt. The captain struck first with a perfectly placed effort from outside the box, then converted from the penalty spot after his shirt was tugged in the area.
“He is on top of the list. He is in top shape mentally and physically and full of confidence,” Tuchel said on his talisman.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Anthony Gordon had opened the scoring with a lovely curled finish following a swift counter-attack, racing onto John Stones' through ball before cutting inside and finding the net.
The rout continued after the interval when Andrejs Ciganiks turned Djed Spence's cross into his own goal, before substitute Eberechi Eze rounded off the scoring with a fine solo effort late on.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Eberechi Eze completed the rout for England
|REUTERS
England's next challenges come against Serbia at Wembley on November 13, followed by an away trip to Albania three days later.
The World Cup draw takes place in Washington on December 5, when Tuchel will discover which teams stand between England and glory in North America.
Reports suggest the Three Lions could face Uruguay and Japan in home friendlies next March, though these fixtures haven't been confirmed yet.
The tournament itself kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, with the final scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Centre in New Jersey - giving England fans plenty of time to plan their summer adventures.